Sunday, November 30, 2014

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Tonight my friends and I went to Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. It's my first time and what a magical experience it is! Although we didn't go on any rides, the place looked absolutely amazing, especially when it's all lit up at night.

There's a very large number of stalls selling food and drink and gifts. The atmosphere of the whole place was very merry, and really put me in the mood for Christmas. I'll definitely be going again =]

Thursday, November 27, 2014

HAPPY THANKSGIVING guys! I know it's not really a British thing but I think it might not hurt to take a moment today to think about how blessed we actually are and what we are most thankful for.

For my part I'm most thankful for my supportive and loving family, my close friends (for those that I see regularly just as much as for those who I only see once every few weeks), the fact that me and my loved ones are healthy and that I don't have to struggle for anything. These are some of the most important things in my opinion and definitely not to be taken for granted.

With that I wish you all a happy Turkey Day and enjoy your BIG bird tonight (in case you are celebrating the traditional way)!

Monday, November 24, 2014

Occasionally I hear about an experience from a friend or just guys who just say, "I don't kiss" when they are involved with a guy.

For me that would be a deal breaker. I think that kissing (and cuddling) are essential factors in developing a physical and emotional relationship between two people who are attracted to each other. We all need that tender touch from that special someone in our lives to remind us that we are loved. Without it, intimacy is just an empty phrase with no meaning. I guess you can call me a hopeless romantic =]

Have you ever encountered a guy either with a hookup or date who just "didn't kiss"? If so, how did you react?

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

For the first time in 12 years, the original S Club 7 members performed together. The group reunited for BBC’s annual Children In Need Benefit Concert to perform a medley of their greatest hits. OMG, I can't believe I can still sing alone with all the songs!

And you'd be forgiven for not recognising Jon Lee as he's beefed up since his S Club 7 days. Hmm, is he still "looking for romance"?

Saturday, November 15, 2014

The nights are drawing in, the air is becoming chillier and Christmas is on the horizon. This can all mean only one thing. Yes, Christmas adverts on TV and this year John Lewis' Christmas advert is SO sweet that it surpasses all my expectations (as it always does).

The advert tells the story of a young boy who has a penguin for a best friend, who goes by the name of Monty. The advert illustrates their days together leading up to Christmas; they watch television, play hide and seek, and jump on the trampoline. It's all very sweet, until Monty's behaviour suggests there is something missing in his life. Romantic films on the TV and couples lovingly embracing in the street, hint at Monty's desire to find love this Christmas.

I won't spoil the ending for those of you who haven't seen it, but let's just say you'll either be smiling so hard your cheeks hurt or reaching for the box of tissues. If you haven't already, give it a watch below...

In contrast, supermarket giant Sainsbury's epic 2014 Christmas advert sees Christmas from a completely different angle. It isn't a fictional tale of a cute CGI animal, or even a cheesy family eating Sainsbury's turkey dinner and sharing Sainsbury's gifts.

The advert depicts the remarkable true story of real events that took place on Christmas Day in 1914, during World War I. On that day soldiers on both sides of the conflict downed their weapons, emerged from their trenches and exchanged seasonal songs and even gifts.

The two armies also played a friendly games of football to mark the festive occasion, a warming image also featured in the advert.

And believe it or not, the ONLY product that appears in the entire 3 minute 40 second-long full version of the advert is a chocolate bar, which one soldier hands to the other as a gift. The supermarket has partnered with the Royal British Legion to sell the vintage-looking chocolate bar in stores for £1, with all profits going to the charity (a far cry from the £95 stuffed Monty the penguin John Lewis was retailing, which is now sold out.)

This year's advert from Sainsbury's is, in my opinion, the best Christmas effort in the UK. I love it because it doesn't follow the same trite formula. It's not a hugely commercialized affair and the strong message of love-sharing at Christmas time hits straight to your heart. On top of all that, the cinematography is simply stunning and it definitely won't look out of place in the cinema! Oh, did I not mention the cute actors too?